Wednesday October 28 Ag News - USDA NASS Corn Yield Correction for NE - Fungal Disease & Grazing Stalks - Corn Groups Urge Fertilizer Investigation - ISU Integrated Crop Mgt Conf - NPB Innovation & Pork Quality Advisory Committee - and more!

Additional Information Regarding September Crop Production Notice
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Following concerns raised after the October 9, 2026, Crop Production report, NASS conducted a comprehensive review of its September and October corn estimation procedures. The review identified a September processing error involving incorrect acreage weights used to combine irrigated and non-irrigated objective yield observations for Kansas and Nebraska.

Specifically, the error affected September corn plant populations and ear counts for both states and the 10-state averages, as well as yield forecasts for both states and the U.S. The corrected September yield forecasts are 118 bushels per acre for Kansas (down 3), 182 for Nebraska (up 5), and 178.8 for the United States (up 0.3). The affected September data and forecasts have been corrected in the Crop Production reports and Quick Stats.

NASS also reviewed and validated the October data and estimation procedures and confirmed that the October yield and production forecasts remain unchanged. Moving forward, we will implement additional pre-publication checks to verify acreage weights and validate objective yield calculations. We are evaluating further improvements to strengthen our quality-control procedures.

We thank the farmers and data users who brought the concerns to our attention. NASS remains committed to providing timely, accurate, and reliable agricultural statistics and to promptly communicating and correcting any errors identified in our published data.



Nebraska Corn Statement on September 2026 NASS Crop Report Correction

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has issued a correction to corn data in its September 2026 Crop Production report after concerns were raised following the Oct. 9 Crop Production report. NASS acknowledged a processing error that affected September corn plant populations, ear counts, yields and production estimates for Nebraska and Kansas. Nebraska’s September corn yield estimate was revised from 177 to 182 bushels per acre.
 
Andy Groskopf, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, and Michael Dibbern, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, issued the following joint statement:
 
“The corrected September Crop Production report is an improvement, but errors like this have far-reaching effects on farmers and the markets they depend on. We expect NASS to identify the source of the error and put safeguards in place so it does not happen again. Farmers rely on accurate data to make marketing decisions, and mistakes like this undermine their trust in NASS data at a time when they need it most.”



FUNGAL DISEASES AND CORN RESIDUE 
- Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator 

Fungal diseases have made noticeable impacts on corn fields in Nebraska this year. As these fields open for grazing following harvest, many are wondering — does disease pressure affect how we manage livestock on those acres?

Diseases like tar spot, southern rust, and other fungal leaf diseases create lesions on corn leaves, weakening the plant in the process. Severe infections can cause leaves to senesce earlier, limiting photosynthesis and reducing the amount of leaf material left after harvest. Stalk rots can also weaken plants, increasing the potential for lodging.

So, what does this mean for grazing residue? Overall residue quality may be somewhat lower, but the bigger concern is that there may simply be less leaf material left. Along with husks, leaves are the primary component of residue-based diets. Their loss, therefore, can indirectly lower overall residue feed value. In addition, earlier senescence and existing tissue damage may allow corn leaves to weather and decompose faster than normal — shortening the window of quality grazing even further.

Stalk rots can also increase harvest losses from lodged corn, potentially leaving more ears or grain in the field. This is something to watch for when turning cattle out to graze, especially if excess grain is enough to cause acidosis.

Fungal diseases may not cause large direct changes to corn residue quality, but they can reduce the amount of desirable material available. Monitoring residue condition and adjusting stocking rates or grazing duration accordingly can help make the most of affected fields while maintaining livestock performance.



NDA AWARDED SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 FUNDING CYLCE

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) was designed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops- defined as ‘fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.’ Agencies, commissions or departments responsible for agriculture within any of the 50 States are eligible to apply for the SCBGP.

In 2026, USDA’s SCBGP invested over $1 billion in over 12,400 projects with the goal of increasing market access, enhancing food safety, developing new crop varieties, mitigating pests and diseases, increasing knowledge of specialty crops nutrition and improving sustainability and conservation.

For the 2026 funding cycle, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has received $851,946.25. Below is a list of the 13 projects that will be funded through this grant.
    Spring and Winter Pea Productivity and Profitability Under Dryland and Western Nebraska
    Adding A “Preemptive Strike” to the Battle Against Japanese Beetles
    Integrated Management of Herbicide-Resistant Palmer Amaranth and Volunteer Corn in Popcorn: Research & Extension
    Reliable or Risky? Screening Biostimulants for Specialty Crop Transplant Production
    Framework for Farm Sustainability
    Optimizing NPK to Improve Photosynthesis, Yield, and Profitability of Dry Pea
    Kochia Burndown in Confection Sunflower
    High-Yielding Food-Grade Winter Pea Varieties for Dryland Production System in Nebraska
    Cowpea Varieties for Dryland Production System in Western Nebraska
    Evaluation of Sulfur Supplementation on Terminal Drought Tolerance in Dry Pea
    Evaluation of Biopesticides for Seed-Feeding Pests Management in Confection Sunflower
    Developing Rust Resistant Sweet Corn Lines
    Trade Show for Nebraska Specialty Crop Associations

Learn more about the SCBGP at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.



Iowa, Ohio and Texas Corn Grower Associations Urge Trump Administration to Advance Fertilizer Competition Investigation

The Iowa Corn Growers Association, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and Texas Corn Producers Association today sent a joint letter to President Donald J. Trump urging the Administration to support and advance a federal investigation into anticompetitive conduct in the fertilizer market.  

The letter thanked the Administration for its efforts to support farmers, including the recent diesel relief announcement, but explained that high fertilizer prices still outweigh the benefits of those actions and that persistent high fertilizer costs and a lack of meaningful market competition warrant enforcement action by federal regulators.  

Corn growers called on the Administration to support the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in pursuing well-grounded enforcement action to address market concentration and anticompetitive behavior in the fertilizer industry. Their request follows a December 2025 executive order directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FTC to investigate price fixing and anticompetitive behavior in the food supply chain, specifically calling attention to fertilizer markets.  

“Farmers are facing fertilizer costs that simply do not reflect a competitive marketplace,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association Steve Kuiper, who farms in Knoxville, Iowa. “When farmer relief programs are announced and fertilizer prices continue to climb, it raises serious questions about whether farmers are benefiting from a fair and functioning market. Corn farmers work hard to manage risk and control costs, but they need a transparent, competitive fertilizer market to stand a chance of being profitable. That's why we're urging the Administration to move forward with its investigation and ensure farmers have confidence that anticompetitive practices will be thoroughly examined.”  

The letter explains that Iowa farmers have seen ammonia price quotes rise by about $150 per ton shortly after the Administration's diesel relief announcement, and that Ohio farmers have seen phosphate prices decrease to only $5 less per ton than last year, even after suspension of countervailing duties.  

The three organizations stressed that farmers need "more than another statement of concern," but rather "meaningful enforcement action that starts to restore competition and shows farmers they are being heard." 



ICA Applauds $10 Million USDA Investment in Iowa’s Working Lands Program

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for announcing $10 million in funding for Iowa’s Working Lands Program through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The investment will help Iowa cattle producers and farmers implement conservation practices while keeping working lands productive.

“ICA has worked closely with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to help advance this program, and we appreciate their willingness to listen to producers, collaborate with ICA, and develop an approach that delivers meaningful results for Iowa’s cattlemen,” said Craig Moss, ICA president. “The Working Lands Program is a great example of what can happen when we work together to address producers’ needs and develop practical solutions that benefit both agriculture and our natural resources.”

ICA has advocated for Iowa’s Working Lands Program, as listed in our top policy priorities, and is proud to support IDALS and Iowa cattle producers in advancing investments that strengthen livestock production and conservation.

The additional funding comes at a critical time, as strong producer demand has demonstrated the value of programs that help farmers and cattle producers incorporate conservation practices into their operations. The previous round of funding was utilized in just 10 days, highlighting the need for continued investment and expanded opportunities for producers.

ICA believes Iowa’s Working Lands Program can serve as a model for future efforts that help producers maintain productive agricultural land while improving soil and water resources.

“We appreciate IDALS’ partnership and Secretary Naig’s leadership in developing a program that responds to Iowa producers’ needs and has the potential to serve as a model for other states,” said Bryan Whaley, ICA CEO. “USDA’s investment is a strong signal that the approach Iowa has developed has value beyond our state. We’re proud to see Iowa leading the way with a program that brings livestock production and conservation together, and we hope it can help shape similar opportunities for producers across the country.” For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. 




Registration Open for Integrated Crop Management Conference

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will host the 37th Annual Integrated Crop Management Conference, set for Dec. 9–10, at Prairie Meadows in Altoona. 

The ICM Conference brings together the latest university research, expert perspectives and practical crop production information for crop professionals and farmers. Participants will spend two days learning from experts, connecting with other crop professionals and gaining insights to apply with customers or on the farm. 

"What makes the ICM Conference unique is the ripple effect," said Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist at Iowa State and one of the conference organizers. “The information shared during these two days doesn't stop with the individuals in the room. Attendees take what they learn back to their customers, colleagues and farming operations, helping improve decisions on acres across Iowa and beyond.”

This year’s conference features 32 workshops covering crop production, pest management, nutrient and soil management and water quality. Invited speakers include: 
    Zach Easton, H.E. and Elizabeth Alphin professor and extension specialist in biological systems engineering at Virginia Tech, will present the keynote, “The Nonpoint Source Challenge: Obstacles and Opportunities for Meeting Nutrient Reduction Goals in Diverse Agricultural Watersheds.” The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Matt Helmers, professor and director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at Iowa State, providing an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about water quality and conservation issues facing agriculture. 
    Morgan Goodnight, Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University, will present “Environmental Drivers of Foliar Fungicide Efficacy for Crop Disease Management,” discussing how weather variables, plant physiology and pathogens interact and impact fungicide performance and how growers can better refine application timing. 
    Bradley Miller, associate professor of agronomy at Iowa State, will present “One-Size Fits All Fails Iowa Farms,” introducing a new “Physiographic Regions of Iowa” map and discussing how differences in landscape, soils and hydrology can influence crop management decisions, land values and conservation outcomes.
    Connor Sible, research assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will present “Got Biologicals? What We Know Today About the Market and Field Efficacy,” reviewing different types of biologicals, what they can do and evaluating their effectiveness in the field. 
    Margaret Smith, forage agronomist with Albert Lea Seeds, will present “Growing Oats for Food, Feed or Cover Crop Seed Markets,” sharing insights on producing high-quality oats and market opportunities for oat production. 

New this year, attendees can visit the mobile ISU Extension Store during the conference to conveniently purchase popular field guides, crop production references and other extension publications. Credit card payments only will be accepted. 

Certified Crop Advisers can earn up to 14 continuing education credits by attending. In addition, Iowa commercial pesticide applicators may complete their 2026 continuing instruction courses for categories 1A, 1B, 1C and 4 (seed treatment).

To see the full agenda and register, visit the ICM Conference website https://go.iastate.edu/ICM26.

The early-bird registration deadline is Nov. 16 for $260. Registration from Nov. 17 to Dec. 3 is $310. On-site registration will be available for $350. The commercial pesticide continuing instruction courses are an additional $45 each.

For registration related questions, contact Registration Services at 515-294-6222 or registrations@iastate.edu. For all other inquiries, email crops@iastate.edu. 




Introductory Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index Workshop Planned for December

A Dec. 17 workshop will provide an opportunity for producers to learn more about the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2), as well as the Iowa Phosphorus Index. The workshop is a collaborative effort between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and will be held in Ames.

According to Kapil Arora, field agricultural engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach, the RUSLE2 equation is a tool stakeholders can use to calculate soil loss for a given field and is necessary for determining the Iowa Phosphorus Index.

The morning portion of the workshop will focus on installing software programs, performing dominant critical area and predominant area determinations and operating RUSLE2. The afternoon session will include discussions on ephemeral and classical gully erosion, as well as the updated Iowa Phosphorus Index, which can be used in Iowa DNR manure management plans and open feedlot nutrient management plans.

Sessions will be taught by Arora; Dan Andersen, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension agriculture engineering specialist at Iowa State; Chandra Shaw, resource conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture – Iowa NRCS; and Jeremy Klatt, environmental specialist senior, Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The workshop qualifies for six Certified Crop Advisor Credits (five soil and water management, one nutrient management) and three Professional Development Hours. Participation certificates will be provided upon completion of the workshop.

To ensure a spot in the workshop, complete early registration by Dec. 11. The registration fee is $225. If registering after this date, late fees will apply. The workshop is limited to 30 participants and will be held at Iowa State’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab, located at 3800 University Blvd., Ames. A Windows-compatible computer with a USB port and Microsoft Excel Software is required to participate. Lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee, as well as workshop materials. To register, visit the registration site https://go.iastate.edu/QSVI4U. 

For more information, contact Kapil Arora at pbtiger@iastate.edu or visit the workshop webpage https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ageng/rusle2.



Producer-Led, Consumer-Driven Innovation and Pork Quality Advisory Committee Formed to Strengthen Demand

The National Pork Board (NPB) recently formed six producer-led advisory committees tied to its strategic plan. The Innovation and Pork Quality Advisory Committee focuses on improving whole-carcass value and a differentiated position. The input from producers and allied industry members will help build long-term sustainable demand for pork.

“Convening leadership across the pork industry will guide this advisory committee’s work and keep innovation grounded in consumer needs, but actionable among key stakeholders,” said Kiersten Hafer, vice president of business intelligence and innovation at the National Pork Board. “By pairing research with real-world applications, we can help the supply chain create easy, convenient, portable and culturally relevant pork products that younger consumers will choose and enjoy pork more often.”

Committee members include:
    Emily Arkfeld, Chair, NPB Board of Directors, Triumph Foods, Missouri
    Nick Berry, Swine Genetics International, Iowa
    Jennifer Blake, Oregon Pork Producers Association, Oregon
    Peter Brummer, Brummer Farm, Pennsylvania
    Chad Carr, University of Florida, Florida
    Anna Dilger, University of Illinois, Illinois
    Brandon Fields, PIC, Kentucky
    Laura Flemming, Smithfield Foods, Virginia
    Jeff Hansen, Elanco Animal Health, Iowa
    Collette Kaster, American Meat Science Association, Missouri
    Dustin Kendall, Prestage Farms Inc., North Carolina
    Chad Leman, Leman Farms Inc., Illinois
    Connor Livingston, Livingston Enterprises Inc., Nebraska
    Jim Magolski, Perdue Foods, Wisconsin
    Tommie Smothers, Walt Disney World Co., Florida
    Nathan Tentinger, Tentinger Farms, Iowa
    Jennifer Tirey, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois
    Scott Trapp, Wholestone Prestage, Nebraska
    Steve Weiss, NutriQuest, Iowa
    Michael Yeater, The Protein Group, LLC, Texas

The committee elevates meat science expertise and consumer behavior data to advise how to meet consumers’ meal and snack expectations. It will combine expertise and supply chain input to build a shared understanding of how production and processing decisions can improve pork quality and support innovation.

The advisory committee established that the consumer eating experience is critical to pork's future success. They will review pork’s current state and available tools for assessing raw product quality, so NPB staff and board members can establish learning plans and allocate Pork Checkoff funds responsibly. Favorable eating experiences increase household purchases, making pork more prominent in the hearts and carts of Americans.

Last month’s checkoff-funded Innovation Summit outlined a practical blueprint for scalable success to supply chain leaders and producers. Third-party experts and NPB discussed fabricating and marketing new muscle cuts like coppa, presa, Boston butt burgers, coming from the shoulder, and pluma and katsu from the loin.

NPB is uniquely positioned to convene industry leaders. This new committee will identify how science meets consumer preferences and informs conversations that empower key stakeholders. Together, this geographically diverse advisory committee will help NPB identify how to strategically become more relevant with younger consumers and win with pork. 



Strong Dairy Production Growth and $15 Billion in Processing Investments Signal Opportunity for Upper Midwest Producers
Fred Hall, Dairy Field Specialist, ISU Extension 

A combination of rising milk production, record milk component levels, expanding dairy processing capacity, and increasing export competitiveness is creating new opportunities for dairy producers across the Upper Midwest.

Recent USDA data show U.S. milk production reached 18.7 billion pounds across the 24 major dairy states during September 2026, a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Growth has been fueled by both dairy herd expansion and gains in cow productivity, indicating continued confidence in the nation's dairy sector.

At the same time, America's dairy processing industry is investing more than $15 billion in new and expanded manufacturing capacity across 23 states. More than 85 dairy processing projects are planned or underway through 2030, reflecting confidence in long-term demand for dairy products both domestically and internationally.

For dairy producers in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and neighboring states, these developments could create significant marketing opportunities. New and expanded facilities will require a reliable supply of milk, particularly milk with higher levels of protein and butterfat that can support production of value-added dairy products.

One of the most significant trends shaping the industry is the continued improvement in milk components. U.S. butterfat levels have climbed to a record 4.32%, while protein levels have increased to 3.34%. These higher component levels are increasingly valuable as processors expand production of cheese, dairy ingredients, whey proteins, yogurt, and other nutrient-dense products that deliver greater manufacturing returns than fluid milk alone.

According to International Dairy Foods Association President and CEO Michael Dykes, rising consumer demand for dairy protein, combined with expanding export opportunities, continues to support investments throughout the dairy supply chain. U.S. dairy exports are projected to reach a record $10.5 billion this year, creating additional outlets for growing milk supplies.

The processing investments are concentrated in categories most relevant to Upper Midwest dairy producers. Nationally, more than $5.6 billion is being invested in milk and cream processing, $3.8 billion in cheese manufacturing, and more than $3 billion in yogurt and cultured dairy products.

At the same time, expanding milk production has created abundant supplies of both milkfat and dairy proteins. Domestic cheddar cheese and butter prices have softened relative to competing products from Europe and Oceania, making U.S. dairy products some of the most competitively priced offerings in global markets. While lower wholesale commodity prices can pressure farm milk prices in the short term, they also create opportunities for U.S. exporters to gain market share in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Industry analysts note that growing milk supplies, coupled with favorable exchange rates and competitive commodity pricing, have encouraged international buyers to consider U.S. cheese, butter, and dairy ingredients as cost-effective alternatives to products sourced from traditional exporting regions. This expanding export potential could become increasingly important as new processing plants come online and require additional markets for finished products.

However, challenges remain. Wholesale cheese and butter prices directly influence Federal Milk Marketing Order pricing formulas, meaning prolonged periods of lower commodity prices can reduce milk checks received by producers. As a result, dairy cooperatives and processors continue to utilize risk management tools and market diversification strategies and I recommend producers do the same to protect their returns.

For individual dairy operations, profitability may increasingly depend on producing component-rich milk efficiently. The Iowa Extension Dair Team emphasize the importance of feed efficiency, reproductive performance, herd health, and genetic selection programs that maximize pounds of milk and protein production per cow.

Despite near-term pricing pressures, the long-term outlook remains positive. Expanding processing capacity, strong export demand, continued genetic improvement, and growing consumer interest in high-protein dairy products are industry growth. As new processing facilities begin operations and existing plants expand, dairy producers across the Upper Midwest may benefit from stronger regional milk demand and additional marketing opportunities in the years ahead.



NGFA applauds CFTC plan to expand Commitments of Traders reporting

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today welcomed the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) plan to double the frequency of its Commitments of Traders (COT) reports and reduce the reporting lag, advancing longstanding NGFA recommendations to improve transparency in agricultural futures markets.

Under the plan, the CFTC will begin publishing COT reports twice weekly by the end of 2026. Reports reflecting Monday trading positions will be published on Wednesdays, while reports reflecting Wednesday positions will be released on Fridays, both at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The changes will reduce the lag between data collection and publication from three days to two.

“NGFA has advocated for more frequent and timely Commitments of Traders reporting for many years, and we are extremely pleased the CFTC is moving forward with these improvements,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “These changes will provide commercial hedgers with more timely market information, strengthen transparency and support better-informed risk management decisions. We commend Chairman Michael Selig and the CFTC for their leadership and commitment to modernizing this important tool for agricultural markets.”

NGFA has long supported efforts to enhance the timeliness and transparency of COT reporting, most recently highlighting these priorities in June 2026. The CFTC’s Division of Data is leading implementation efforts through modernization and automation while maintaining the accuracy of the reports.



USDA to Host Educational Event at USDA Cattle & Carcass Training Center

On Thursday, December 17, 2026, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will host an in-person event at the Cattle and Carcass Training Center (CCTC) located at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in Canyon, Texas. The event is open to the public and will focus on the grading and marketing of feeder cattle. Participants will have the opportunity to view the latest data-analytic dashboards developed by AMS, hear from subject matter experts on feeder cattle evaluation and marketing, participate in live feeder cattle evaluation, and have the opportunity to view AMS’s prototype for GrAider – Live, a Super Intelligence Model that uses advanced imagery to apply USDA Feeder Cattle Grades to live animals.

Although anyone may attend the events, they are designed for cattle producers, feeders, and other stakeholders seeking to better understand conventional marketing, the factors that influence cattle value, and how these factors can guide marketing and production decisions.  

Pre-registration is required for the event, which is free and open to the public. Information about the event, including how to pre-register, is on the AMS website https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/beef/cattle-carcass-training-centers.

The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to establish the CCTCs to conduct activities that limit subjectivity in the application of cattle and beef grading standards, provide producers with a greater understanding of the value of their cattle, and provide investors more confidence in the CME cattle delivery system.